Construction near power lines must notify the electricity company.
Southern Power Corporation (EVN SPC) issued a notice stating current State regulations on coordination between units with construction works near power lines and the power company to avoid unfortunate accidents.
Violation of dangerous power grid corridor
According to EVN SPC, the serious electrical accident that occurred on October 26 in Cam Hung commune, Cam Xuyen district (Ha Tinh) that killed 4 people while constructing a telecommunication pole is a warning for construction near power lines but not ensuring safety. The accident occurred when a group of people in Cam Hung commune were erecting a telecommunication pole when they were suddenly struck by an electric current from the 35 kV line running above.
Authorities intervened and determined the initial cause was that the telecommunications pole construction unit did not notify the electricity unit to coordinate the implementation of safety measures.
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The tragic accident once again shows that, despite clear regulations on power grid safety corridors (HLATLĐ) and ensuring safety when constructing works near the power grid, in many places people still do not strictly implement them, leading to unfortunate accidents.
EVN SPC said that the Corporation regularly propagates to each target group such as: urban, rural areas and before the rainy and stormy season; closely inspects the power grid corridor, detects and prevents violations; handles violations, especially in construction, renovation of houses, works, clearing trees inside and outside the corridor... In particular, there are many cases where despite being warned by the electricity company and instructed on safety measures before constructing bridges, roads..., violations are still committed and cause power grid incidents and heartbreaking electrical accidents.
Regulations when working near the power grid
To avoid unfortunate electrical accidents, EVN SPC believes that, first of all, it is necessary to strictly implement current State regulations on coordination between units with construction works near power lines and electricity units.
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| Repairing and upgrading the power grid infrastructure in Vinh City. Photo: Quang An |
According to EVN SPC, compliance with the above regulations is extremely important. Accordingly, in the Electricity Law, Article 51, Clause 8: When carrying out work on the ground or underground near or in the protection corridor of overhead power lines that may affect the normal operation of the line or pose a risk of causing electrical incidents or accidents, the unit carrying out such work must have an agreement with the power grid management unit on necessary safety measures.
Article 4 of Decree No. 14/2014/ND-CP on detailed regulations for the implementation of the Electricity Law on Electrical Safety also clearly states: Prohibited acts include: climbing electric poles, entering power stations or electrical safety protection areas when not on duty; using high-voltage power grid works for other purposes without agreement with the high-voltage power grid management unit.
In addition, Article 34 of Decree 59/2015/ND-CP on Construction Investment Project Management also states: Construction contractors must establish safety measures for workers, equipment, construction vehicles and works before construction. In cases where safety measures involve multiple parties, they must be agreed upon by the parties.
